Sure to be a hit at any “intergalactic kegger”, the Hamilton Ventura watch has been regulation attire for the M.I.Bs for four consecutive films. Considering the history of this watch and the 1960s-aesthetic history of the galaxy defenders, it’s an appropriate timepiece for their “hot sheets” driven endeavors. Each Hamilton Ventura looks like something straight out of an old timey science fiction flick. This style was driven by a space age affected generation looking toward the stars (they’re beautiful, aren’t they?). Indeed, the first Ventura was released in 1957 as the first retail ready electric watch. At the time it was more the guts than the outward appearance of these watches that really struck people. Fast forward through the latter half of the 20th century to 1997. A timely release, Columbia Pictures drops a sci-fi film for a fresh generation entering a new millennium—while entertaining audiences of all ages. It wasn’t just the quippy dialogue and quirky aliens that carried the film. Wardrobe, as the title would suggest, has a cultural and aesthetic significance to the franchise. The MIB organization began in the mid 50s, according to agent K in the first film. Their Hamilton Venturas have followed them from that origin, to the future, and back again (i.e. MIB 3). To say the least, research was certainly done in making sure there were era appropriate timepieces for the characters in the MIB universe. Hamilton’s retro inspired Ventura has a timeless vision—pulled from a past whose future still looks futuristic to the audiences of today.
Retro
Futurism
The most recent MIB release MIB International has fallen flat for critics. However, no one can argue that the fashion is impeccable. Another actor that “makes [it] look good” is Tessa Lynn Thompson (Agent M). Alongside her previous Thor: Ragnarok costar (Chris Hemsworth) she’s rocking the most recent quartz iteration of the Hamilton Ventura. She wears it so well that brand has her as an ambassador for Hamilton’s official watch promotions of the Ventura.
Thompson and all her co stars carry the mantle of science fiction retro futurism really well. That being said, the Ventura’s sleek silver triangular case, asymmetrical tick marks, and slim black band is something that would turn heads with or without the suit. Aside from the striking watches that appear on screen, Hamilton puts out a wide variety of Ventura models for all would be galactic agents. They currently have both quartz and mechanical models of the watch available—even featuring skeleton dials for added flair. If one wants to be a noisy cricket, or perhaps more subtle, there’s a Ventura waiting for them via Hamilton’s catalog.
A True
Time Traveler
Retro cuts were a little more suited to this time bending timepiece. In the first MIB, the watches themselves did not receive the best screen time due to the width and length of the suit coat sleeves. The second film fell flat for fans as a disappointing flop—and had a similar design flaw in featuring the watches. It’s a great thing that Hamilton stuck with the MIB, then, because the time traveling aspect of the third film saw some sweet horological action. Specifically, wardrobe chose to pick up actual 60s era Hamilton Venturas for all alphabetical MIB employees. The camp factor and period appropriate style tied the franchise back together—much like a Hamilton Ventura ties all MIB attire together. With modern and 60s inspired suit cuts, the watches spent a lot more time in the spotlight.
A quick note: It seems that every other film has been a hit with critics and audiences. Perhaps any potential fifth installment of the franchise will not only see a new Ventura release—but also an overall better reception. For some emphasis, this particular fan doesn’t believe that the classic suit, tie, and watch style of the Men In Black is anything to blame for any failures or successes. As long as they’re keeping us safe from intergalactic threats, who’s to judge anyway?
Pressing the Red Button Toward the Future
Hamilton’s wristwatches have appeared in over 500 movies since 1932. It’s no surprise, then, that we’ve already covered one of their on screen sci-fi beauties in a previous post (see the Khaki Field from Interstellar). Keep your eyes peeled for more Hamilton film watches as we explore these exciting horological movie stars. We promise not to neuralyze any important memories in the process.
Times Ticking has been in operation for more than 30 years, since 1982. We have performed watch repair for customers both locally and internationally. If it Ticks! We KNOW it! Our team of watch repair technicians have a combined experience in watchmaking of over 120 years.
